Morphometric Analysis of Lake Ruma, Song, Adamawa State in Northeastern Nigeria

The morphometric analysis of lakes is vital for vast limnologic, ecologic and sustainable use of the lake resources. In this study, a morphometric analysis assessment of Lake Ruma was conducted using an integrated approach of hydrographic survey, mathematical computations and field observations. Results revealed that the lake is characterized by a Surface Area (A0) of 0.56km^2; a Volume (V) of 0.80mcm and a Mean Depth (ZMean) of 1.43m. Its Relative Depth (Zr) of 0.88% and 0.18 Index of Basin Permanence (IBP) are clear indications of the lake’s shallow status, susceptibility to mixing and the littoral effect on the basin volume. The lake’s Development of Volume index (1.19) portrays the conical depression nature of its basin as also presented by its bathymetric map, while its Shoreline Development Factor (DL) of 1.64 indicates its crenulated nature and potential for development of littoral community. Major identified uses of the lake are the small scale (local) fishing and water supply for livestock consumption and domestic uses. The lake is recommended for proper conservation and management to support a longer term and a larger scale of fish farming, irrigation for agriculture and water supply for livestock and domestic uses.